Spoilers: The Process is Pretty Chill
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Spoilers: The Process is Pretty Chill 〰️
Step 1: You Reach out
You found us, which means you already did the hardest part. Once you reach out I will contact you through whatever information you provide, whether that is phone, email, or text, whatever feels most comfortable for you. I will send over some referral paperwork for you to complete and return. Once I have that back I will follow up to find a time that works for a consultation. Easy.
Step 2: Free 30 Minute Consultation
This is a no pressure phone call where we get to meet each other. You can ask any questions you have, share a little about what is bringing you in, and get a feel for whether working together seems right. There is no commitment and no wrong thing to say. If it feels like a good fit we will go from there. And if for any reason I am not the right fit or cannot meet a specific need you have, finding the right support for you still matters to me. I will do my best to connect you with other providers or resources that might be a better match.
Step 3: First Few Sessions: Getting to Know You
The first 1-3 sessions are a conversational assessment and goal exploration. We are not jumping into the deep end right away. We will talk about your everyday life, relationships, work, support system, and general background. Some history including trauma will come up but it is approached carefully and at your pace. Nothing gets forced.
When needed we will also put together a personalized crisis plan during these early sessions so you have clear steps and resources in place before we go any deeper into the work.
A note on disclosure: Many people worry that if they mention thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation they will automatically end up in a hospital. That is not how this works. Disclosure opens a collaborative conversation, not an automatic response. Your safety matters deeply and so does your autonomy. We figure out the right level of support together and you have a say in that process. In situations where safety is at immediate risk there may be times where certain actions become necessary, and that will always be communicated transparently.
As a mandated reporter there is also a legal requirement to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. This is not something taken lightly and if it ever becomes relevant it will be discussed directly whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
You can learn more about both of these topics in the Psychoeducation tab.
By the end of these sessions we will have built a treatment plan together that reflects your goals.
Step 4: Regular Sessions
From here, we begin to find our rhythm in regular sessions. This is where the deeper work and relationship building happen. Together, we might explore your everyday patterns, beliefs, values, and the stories you've come to tell about yourself and your experiences. Depending on your needs and goals, our work might also involve finding stability during difficult times, identifying resources, strengthening your support system, building new skills, or preparing for deeper trauma work. There's no single path or timeline we have to follow. We move at your pace, in your direction. No performing, no having to present a certain way. Just showing up as you are, ready to do the work together.